What are ATEX zones?
ATEX generally refers to the hazard of explosive atmospheres occurring in the workplace due to the presence of flammable gasses or combustible dust mixed in air, which can give rise to the risk of explosion.
Zone 0: Explosive atmosphere for more than 1000h/yr. Zone 1: Explosive atmosphere for more than 10, but less than 1000 h/yr. Zone 2: Explosive atmosphere for less than 10h/yr, but still sufficiently likely as to require controls over ignition sources.
The definition of Zone 2 is a hazardous area classified as an atmosphere where a mixture of air and flammable substances in the form of gas, vapour or mist is not likely to occur in normal operation, but if it does occur, will persist for a short period only.
Equipment category 3
Is intended for us in Zone 2 (gases) or Zone 22 (dusts). Explosion protection must be ensured during normal operation.
Equipment (fans) of Category 3 is intended for use in areas in which explosive atmospheres caused by gases, vapors, mists or air/dust are unlikely to occur, or, if they do occur, are likely to do so infrequently and for a short period only.
Hazardous area Ex e isolators provide safe electrical isolation for low voltage power in Zone 1 & Zone 2 (gases) and Zone 21 & Zone 22 (dusts) explosive atmospheres.
E3 Environmental Management This zone is for land where there are special ecological, scientific, cultural or aesthetic attributes or environmental hazards/processes that require careful consideration/management and for uses compatible with these values.
Class III hazardous locations, according to the NEC, are areas where there are Easily ignitable fibers or flyings present, due to the types of materials being handled, stored, or processed.
Based on temperature, the Earth is divided into three zones: Torrid Zone, Temperate Zone, and Frigid Zone.
An easy hour in Zone 2 will always provide a better benefit than a moderately hard Zone 3 effort for that same hour. You want to create a schedule that allows you to run easy days in Zone 2 to illicit a recovery response, increase aerobic capacity, and increase fatty acid usage.
Where is Zone 1 and 2?
Zone 1 covers all of Central London. Zone 2 encircles zone 1 and covers a large swathe of the inner London suburbs.
Division 2 is also a subset of Class III and is classified as an area where ignitable fibers or flyings may be stored or handled.
Class Definition
Class II locations are those in which combustible dust may be found. Class III locations are those which are hazardous because of the presence of easily ignitable fibers or flyings.
A Zone 22 area is classified as an atmosphere where a mixture of air and flammable substances in the form of powder or dust is not likely to occur in normal operation, but if it does occur, will persist for a short period only. These are typically storage areas but can also be process areas.
Dust and gas Ex zones
Zone 0/20: A potentially explosive atmosphere occurs continuously, over long periods or frequently. Zone 1/21: A potentially explosive atmosphere occurs occasionally during normal operation. Zone 2/22: A potentially explosive atmosphere does not or only briefly occur during normal operation.
ATEX zones are classified according to two parameters: - the types of combustibles that may be encountered (dust or gas) - the frequency or duration during which an explosive atmosphere is likely to occur. Carefully read the Instructions for Use used in this technical advice before consulting the advice itself.
Some typical Class III locations are: Textile mills, cotton gins; • Cotton seed mills, flax processing plants; and • Plants that shape, pulverize or cut wood and create sawdust or flyings. Standards have been developed that identify what equipment may be used in the hazardous locations.
ATEX Zone 0 is the most hazardous workplace type where gases, vapours and mists are present. The zone classifications for gases, vapours and mists are directly relevant to oil and gas platforms, drilling rigs and storage facilities.
The Ex d enclosure designed to house electrical and electronic apparatus within Zone 1 and 21 hazardous areas. Abtech SSD aluminium has a flameproof design that allows potentially sparking equipment to be safely installed in areas where explosive gases or dust may be present.
There's a general agreement that the security level of “Ex d”, “Ex e”, “Ex p”, “Ex o”, “Ex q” types of protection is not high enough compared to the probability that an explosive mixture is present in Zone 0.
Can EXE be used in Zone 1?
Both methods of protection, Exd and Exe, is meeting standard Equipment category 2 and Equipment protection level Gb, meaning they can both be used in Zone1 installations.
1. E3: Economy, Energy and Environment is a federal technical assistance framework helping communities, manufacturers and manufacturing supply chains adapt and thrive in today's green economy.
E3 Environmental Management Applies to land that has environmental or scenic values, hazards and risk, but where a limited range of development is permissible. Applies as a transition between areas of high conservation value and other land uses such as rural or residential.
Zone E4 Environmental Living is a low-density residential zone that can be applied to land with special ecological, scientific or aesthetic values. Council's proposal will carry over existing requirements for low density residential development in the Mosman Scenic Protection Area to this zone.
Harmful in contact with skin. Specific target organ toxicity, single exposure, Respiratory tract irritation. Category 3. May cause respiratory irritation. Specific target organ toxicity, single exposure, Narcotic effects.
Hazard Class 3: Flammable and Combustible Liquids.
Commonly transported class 3 dangerous goods include acetone, adhesives, paints, gasoline, perfume, ethanol, methanol and some pesticides with flammable solvents.
ATEX is the name commonly given to the two European Directives for controlling explosive atmospheres: 1) Directive 99/92/EC (also known as 'ATEX 137' or the 'ATEX Workplace Directive') on minimum requirements for improving the health and safety protection of workers potentially at risk from explosive atmospheres.
ATEX certification ensures that equipment will work safely in explosive environment without causing any accident if used as per the manufacturer's recommendations. Equipment used in explosive atmosphere within the European Union (EU) and the European Economic Area (EEA) must be ATEX certified.
If a product / piece of equipment has official ATEX certification, it has been fully tested and approved to be safe to use in hazardous / explosive atmospheres. ATEX approved equipment must show the official 'Ex' logo shown here.
What does ATEX Zone 21 mean?
ATEX Zone 21 Definition – What is Zone 21? A Zone 21 area is classified as a place in which an explosive atmosphere consisting of a mixture with air or flammable substances in the form of powder or dust is likely to occur in normal operation occasionally.
